Ray O. Bentley, 91

ADAMS, Mass. — Mr. Ray O. Bentley, 91, formerly of North Adams and Adams, died Saturday afternoon, March 3, 2018, at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, Vt.

He was born in Aberdeen, S.D., on May 26, 1926, a son of the late Ray L. and Amy A. (Thompson) Bentley. He attended schools in South Dakota and graduated from Anacostia High School in Washington, D.C. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, enlisting in 1944, and served during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam era, until his Honorable Discharge as a Navy Reservist in 1970 with over 25 years of service.

Ray last worked as a carpenter for Lincoln Builders until his retirement. Earlier, he had worked as a Union Carpenter, working on many local building projects. He also had worked at Berkmatics and the former Lilly's Music House in North Adams, and had also worked as a projectionist at the Mohawk Theater, Coury's Drive In and Hoosac Drive In theaters.

He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of North Adams, where he served on many committees, taught Sunday School, and was a member of its Choir and Handbell Chorus. He was a member of Frank R. Stiles Post 125 American Legion, North Adams; the Northern Berkshire Retired Men's Club, and the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees.

He enjoyed bowling, golfing, working with stained glass, woodworking, electronics, and building model ships and cars. Mr. Bentley was also a licensed Pilot and enjoyed flying.

His wife, the former Mary Elaine Blair, whom he married on April 13, 1957, died on March 31, 2017.

He is survived by three daughters, Ruth Goyette and her husband, Paul, of Adams; Kim Tabarini and her husband, Carlos, of Star, Idaho; and Patricia Jack of Sarasota, Fla.; two sons, David Bentley of Clarksburg and Dennis Bentley and his wife, Lisa, of Lunenburg, Mass.; his former daughter-in-law, April Bentley, of North Adams; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Robert R. Bentley; and a sister, Jean B. Walker.

Funeral notice: Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at 11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church, North Adams. Rev. David Anderson, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be later in the Spring in Clarksburg Cemetery.

Calling hours are Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the First Baptist Church. Memorial donations may be made to the Vermont Veterans Home, 325 North St. Bennington, VT 05201, or to the First Baptist Church, 131 Main St. North Adams, MA 01247. The Paciorek Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St. Adams is in charge of arrangements.